A hugely popular soldier has fought his last battle after being ill for some time.

Tributes have been paid to Jesse Owen, Nuneaton and Bedworth’s most respected old soldier following his death.

The Korean War veteran served as a parade marshal in both towns and has officiated at ex-service and military parades and other events throughout the borough for almost a quarter of a century.

Back in 2011, aged 83, ill health had forced him to relinquish his duties as parade marshal for the Bedworth Armistice Day parade and Nuneaton’s Remembrance Sunday.

As well as Remembrance Sunday and the Armistice Day Parade, Jesse also officiated at the funerals of Fusilier Louis Carter and Sergeant Simon Valentine, who lost their lives in Afghanistan, the Freedom of Entries to the borough for the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and the Queens Gurkha Signals, the rededication of the Boer War Memorial, the 70th anniversary of the Nuneaton blitz and the commemoration of the D-Day Landings.

Jesse Owen and the Mayor of Nuneaton and Bedworth greet troops

He is also only the second member of the Nuneaton, Bedworth and Coventry District of the Royal Marines Association to receive the President’s Award for ‘outstanding service’.

Tributes have poured in for the man who many held in such high esteem with Nuneaton MP Marcus Jones saying: “Jesse was a man of great integrity, sincerity and a real character who very much believed in public service, he will be sadly missed.”

His sentiments were echoed by councillor Dennis Harvey, the leader of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, who added: “Jesse gave great service to this borough as well as his country. He was a true gentlemen. Jesse’s service to this borough, particularly in respect to Remembrance, will never be forgotten.

“My sincere sympathy goes to his family and friends at this sad time.”

Nuneaton and Bedworth’s Mayor, Cllr Jill Sheppard, was also keen to pay tribute, saying: “As mayor of the borough I am sadden by hearing the news of Jesse sadly passing away.

“Jesse was a true gentleman he was well respected by all that knew him I kind and considerate person who would do anything to help and support, the borough will miss him

“As Mayor and consort, Bill and I have wonderful memories of Jesse, his help and support to ourselves when Bill was Mayor was invaluable. He has supported all mayors and the support on Armistice Day as parade marshal and the servicing of his country will never be forgotten.”

She concluded: “My condolences and sympathy to his family at the loss of Jesse(Raymond) - a true gentleman.”

At the time of going to press, funeral details were still being arranged by Jesse’s heartbroken family.